CAN I GET FULL MOUTH DENTAL IMPLANTS

Can I Get Full Mouth Dental Implants?

If you're missing most or all of your teeth — or facing extensive extractions — full mouth dental implants may be the most life-changing investment you can make in your oral health. Modern implant technology makes it possible to replace an entire arch (or both arches) of teeth with fixed, permanent prosthetics that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. But not everyone is an automatic candidate.

At Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II — a double board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon — evaluates each patient individually to determine the best full-arch implant approach based on bone quality, medical history, and long-term goals.

What Are Full Mouth Dental Implants?

Full mouth dental implants refer to any implant-supported solution that replaces all teeth in one or both arches. The most common protocols include:

• All-on-4 / All-on-6 — four to six implants per arch supporting a fixed bridge of 10–14 teeth. Same-day loading is often possible.
• Implant-supported overdentures — two to four implants per arch supporting a removable denture that snaps securely into place
• Individual implants with bridgework — 6–8 implants per arch, each supporting individual crowns or short-span bridges. Maximum biomechanical independence but requires adequate bone throughout.

The right approach depends on your bone volume, budget, aesthetic goals, and how much maintenance you're comfortable with long-term.

Candidacy Requirements

Most adults in reasonable health qualify for some form of full mouth implant treatment. During your evaluation, Dr. Haigney assesses:

Bone Volume & Density

Implants need bone to anchor into. A 3D cone-beam CT scan (CBCT) reveals exactly how much bone is available at each potential implant site. If bone has been lost due to years of missing teeth or periodontal disease, options include:

• Bone grafting — adding bone (from the hip, tibia, or a bone bank) to rebuild deficient areas. Healing time: 4–6 months before implant placement.
• Sinus lift — elevating the sinus membrane in the upper jaw to create space for implants in the premolar/molar region
• Tilted implant protocols (All-on-4) — angling posterior implants to engage existing bone and avoid grafting entirely
• Zygomatic implants — extra-long implants anchored in the cheekbone for patients with severe upper jaw atrophy

General Health

Conditions that may affect candidacy (but rarely disqualify patients entirely):

• Uncontrolled diabetes — HbA1c above 8% impairs healing and increases infection risk. Controlled diabetics do well with implants.
• Osteoporosis — bisphosphonate medications (Fosamax, Boniva) can affect jawbone healing. Timing and drug holidays may be needed.
• Smoking — increases implant failure rates by 2–3x. Cessation for 2+ weeks before and 8+ weeks after surgery is strongly recommended.
• Blood thinners — require coordination with your physician for perioperative management
• Radiation therapy to the head/neck — requires careful timing and possibly hyperbaric oxygen therapy pre-operatively

Age Considerations

There is no upper age limit for dental implants. Patients in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s receive implants successfully. The lower limit is skeletal maturity — typically age 18 for males and 16 for females — because the jaw must have finished growing.

What Disqualifies a Patient?

Very few conditions are absolute contraindications. True disqualifiers include:

• Active IV bisphosphonate therapy (for bone cancer) — high risk of osteonecrosis
• Uncontrolled bleeding disorders with no management plan
• Active head/neck radiation (must wait 12–18 months post-treatment)
• Terminal illness where surgical risk outweighs benefit

Most other conditions — diabetes, hypertension, previous dental failures, heavy bone loss — are manageable with proper planning.

The Evaluation Process

Your first visit at Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery includes:

1. Clinical exam — assessment of remaining teeth, gum tissue, bite, and facial proportions
2. 3D CBCT scan — detailed mapping of bone volume, nerve locations, sinus anatomy
3. Medical history review — medications, conditions, prior surgeries
4. Treatment plan presentation — recommended approach, timeline, costs, and alternatives

In most cases, a treatment plan can be presented the same day as your consultation.

Timeline & What to Expect

Full mouth implant treatment typically takes 4–8 months from start to finish, depending on whether bone grafting is needed. Patients who qualify for immediate-load protocols (All-on-4) can leave with functional teeth the same day as surgery, wearing a temporary prosthesis during the 3–6 month healing period before the final restoration is delivered.

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